The Book of Ralph
by Christopher Steinsvold
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Pub Date Aug 09 2016 | Archive Date Oct 30 2018
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Description
A message appears on the moon. It is legible from Earth, and almost no one knows how it was created. Markus West leads the government’s investigation to find the creator.
The message is simple and familiar. But those three words, written in blazing crimson letters on the lunar surface, will foster the strangest revolution humankind has ever endured and make Markus West wish he was never involved.
The message is ‘Drink Diet Coke.’
When Coca-Cola denies responsibility, global annoyance becomes indignation. And when his investigation confirms Coca-Cola’s innocence, Markus West becomes one of the most hated men on Earth.
Later, five miles above the White House, a cylinder is discovered floating in the night. It is 400 feet tall, 250 feet in diameter, and exactly resembles a can of Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup. Nearly everyone thinks the cylinder is a promotional stunt gone wrong, just like the lunar advertisement. And this is exactly what the alien in the cylinder wants people to think.
Ralph, an eccentric extraterrestrial who’s been hiding on the moon, needs Markus’s help to personally deliver a dark warning to the White House. Ralph has a big heart, a fetish for Andy Warhol, and a dangerous plan to save the world.
The Book of Ralph is an uncanny adventure that uses humor, philosophy, and an alien invasion to explore the down to Earth concept of humility.
A Note From the Publisher
Available as an audio book from Audible.
Advance Praise
"An offbeat tale that’s every bit as unnerving as more traditional sci-fi ... this novel delivers an unusual take on the alien invasion story, to say the least." — Kirkus Reviews
"Highly recommended, especially if you’re looking for some original science fiction." Simon West-Bulford, The Soul Consortium
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781942546344 |
| PRICE | $14.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 416 |
Featured Reviews
Robin B, Reviewer
Drink Diet Coke! The Book of Ralph is an enjoyable, sometimes humorously absurd, first contact story.
The ending was a little darker than I was expecting, but I have been thinking about it since I finished the book. The moral lessons were reminiscent of Stranger in a Strange Land, if it was warped into a clever comedy.
Art B, Educator
I received and electronic ARC of this novel from Netgallery in exchange for an honest review. And, honestly, I wish that Goodreads had half star ratings. I would give this book 3.5 stars. This is a very different alien invasion novel. I went into it with no preconceptions, just wanting to see what happens. It starts with a giant ad appearing on the moon. And it centers on the relationship between a helpful alien and a human who is called in to help figure out what is going on. Lots of good use of foreshadowing throughout the book. I think it was the philosophical arguments that really caught my attention and made me think. Made me look at some of the things I hate and why I hate them. The narrator does come across as a bit whiny to me, but in the middle of dealing with an alien invasion, is that so surprising?
Shane A, Reviewer
on the surface, christopher steinsvold's the book of ralph is another tale of first contact between us and THEM. you know THEM - the life we assume is out there just waiting for an excuse to drop in on us and tell us the secrets of the universe.
that's the surface.
what the book of ralph actually is? an incredible character study, not just of humans but of THEM (who is actually a he in this case). without any makeup, without any costumes, without a script, without any guide wires.
to be fair to this book it really deserves your complete attention for a few sittings and not the three months it took me. it's much richer going through it in a way that enables the characters, settings, and brilliance of the language as a character to settle over you.
four out of five stars
Denice L, Reviewer
A unique story that raises all kinds of questions. I picked this book because I was looking for something different. And boy, did I get it! Drink Diet Coke is written in red on the surface of the moon. What does it mean? Was the directive aimed at everyone? WHO WROTE IT? Why it had to be Coca Cola, right? That's where the story starts but it will take you for a wild ride from there. It ends with an alien trying to save the human race. Curious? So was I and I wasn't disappointed.
Reviewer 83549
A soup can cover got my attention for this book. It promised humor, and it delivered. A drink diet coke logo on the moon is our "first contact" and it just goes from there. Rather like the Hitchhiker's Guide or Mystery 3000 theater, this is a funny book.
My copy came from Net Galley. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
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